Sambuyeon Falls – Legend has it that a dragon once flew out from this 20-meter-high waterfall in the Gangwon Province -- that's why the name of the nearby village Yonghwadong begins with the character for dragon.

Namhansanseong Fortress – Located on Mt. Namhan in Gyeonggi Province, this 12-kilometer-long earthen fortress was originally built 2,000 years ago and reconstructed in 1621. With lots of hiking trails in the area, it's a popular place for day excursions.

Sareung – This UNESCO World Heritage site is actually the royal tomb of Queen Jeongsun (1440-1521) from the Joseon Dynasty. Located in Gyeonggi Province, access to the tomb area is restricted to those with "the purpose of academic research and field investigation" and guests with "the purpose of education and worship."

Anapji Pond – Built in the year 674 during the Silla Dynasty, this beautiful circular pond in North Gyeongsang Province was originally constructed inside a fortress that was later destroyed.

Geunjeongjeon, Gyeongbokgung – Important state affairs were once conducted in the Geunjeongjeon, the Throne Hall of Gyeongbokgung Palace in Jongno-gu, Seoul. The welcome ceremony depicted in this photo was held in honor of the historic return of Korean royal books military 145 years before.

Inwangsan – This 338-meter-high mountain on the outskirts of Seoul offers probably the best view of the city, including the palaces, N Seoul tower and the Blue House, residence of the Korean president. Known for its hiking trails, the mountain has a number of castles that were built to protect the city from foreign invasion.

Wanggungri – The five-story pagoda at Wanggungri in Iksan, North Jeolla Province, is an iconic example of the refined architecture of the Baekje Period (18 BCE-660 CE).

Seoul Seonggwak Fortress Wall – The 18.2-kilometer-long stone wall here was erected in Seoul during the Joseon Dynasty to protect the capital. A scenic walking tour goes past many points of interest, including Dongdaemun (home of late-night trendy shopping centers) and Naksan Mountain, and ends at Ehwajang, where Korea's first president, Syngman Rhee, once lived.

Buseoksa – The 108 steps between Cheonwang gate and Anyang gate at Buseoksa Temple represent the number of cycles it takes for redemption from agony and evil. Built in 676 during the Silla Dynasty, Buseoksa Temple in North Gyeongsang Province is the oldest wooden building still standing in Korea. The temple's bell is rung 33 times every evening at 6 p.m.

Dolsan Bridge – The longest cable-stayed bridge in Korea has become a local tourist attraction in itself due to the dramatic way it's lit up at night. Located in South Jeolla Province, the bridge is perfect for evening walks.

Biyangdo – This tiny island 15 minutes by boat from Jeju Island's Hallim Port is known for its summer fishing. Legend has it that this tiny island flew to its current spot from China 1,000 years ago.

Hamdeok – Hamdeok is a small seaside village located 30 minutes east of Jeju Airport. Beautiful fields of rapeseed flowers cover the landscape in summer, but play second fiddle to Hamdeok's sapphire beach, a popular kayaking destination with calm waters.

Hyeupjae Beach – Ask a Korean travel writer which beach is the most beautiful in the country and probably 10 times out of 10, the response will be Hyeupjae Beach.

Sehwa-ri – Seagulls flock to this small white beach on Jeju Island, especially in winter. "The road from Sehwa-ri to Seongsaneup, home of fabulous sunsets, is beloved by the locals for its pretty scenery," says photographer Kim Bong-sun.

Udo – Another satellite island off Jeju, Udo has a wicked black pork barbecue that's worth the journey. The island is a 15-minute boat ride from Seongsan Harbor, about an hour's drive from Jeju Airport.

Seongsan Ilchungbong – South Korea's most famous "sunrise peak" is a 5,000-year-old volcanic crater in Jeju-si. A UNESCO World Heritage Site with views like this every morning, it's a magnet for photographers from all over the country.

Halla Mountain – The highest mountain in South Korea is also Jeju Island's most iconic landmark and home to approximately 4,000 different animal species. The hiking trails are exquisitely developed, but the fickle weather can be daunting and hiking is allowed only during the day.

Darangee Village- A small ecological village in Namhae-gun, Darangee Village maintains its cultural and traditional efforts to preserve over 100 steps on farmlands on a 45-degree mountain slope. Due to the village’s dedication to its maintenance efforts, it produces a large amount of the nation’s rich natural resources such as crabs.

1. Dojang (도장) – These personalized stamps were and are still used throughout Korea to sign contracts and bank account books. It’s basically your signature in stamp format. Sure you can get these in other countries, but if you’re buying gifts from Korea, customize these with their names in Korean! Inexpensive and customized stamps are great gifts. These great gifts can be bought in small little stamp shops everywhere in Korea (I suggest asking your hotel or friends to help you).

2. Socks – The reason why socks are great gifts to buy in Korea is because they’re cheap, plentiful and unique. There’s Korea-specific designs such as Kpop and Kdrama socks. But there’s also really random and very cute designs (i.e. Obama socks, cute characters, etc.). Find these everywhere in Korea, especially at Myeongdong, Namedaemun Market, and many other tourist hotspots.

3. Kpop Stuff – This one is pretty obvious, but I just want to let you know that these are mostly directed at tourists (who cares?!) and can easily be bought at Myeongdong and Namdaemun Market.

4. Korean Pillows – For those used to big ol’ fluffy pillows, Korean pillows are quite unique and make great gifts. Traditionally, Koreans used pillows filled with buckwheat husks. They mold to everyone’s specific head shape. It’s a very different type of comfortable, and a totally unique gift 🙂 Find these at big supermarkets (i.e. E-mart, Homeplus, etc.) or get them at Namedaemun Market.

5. Cute Stuff – Korea has tons of cute stuff, ranging from stationary, tissue box cases, toothpick holders and other random goods that Korea tends to make cute. To buy, I suggest checking out Sangsangmadang in Hongdae or at Daiso’s all across Korea.

6. Hanji - Hanji basically refers to products made from traditional Korean handmade paper. The process of making this paper from the barks of mulberry tree dates back to hundreds of years and was historically used to cover the doors and windows so that the houses remain warm. Today it is used for making paper dolls, beautiful table lamps, hanging lamps and stationery. Hanji can be used to decorate houses, too. However, they can easily tear, so be careful and pack them well.

7. Glasses – Glasses might not be the easiest gift to give (fashion taste and prescriptions), but since it can be bought for cheap in Korea, it’s still a great gift to give. Go to Namdaemun Market for the cheapest glasses.

8. Ginseng – Korean Ginseng has been world renowned since ancient times for its medicinal properties. People from all over the world come to Korea to find this magic root. And although it’s probably one of the most expensive gifts you can get, it’s definitely one of the most healthiest. Ginseng is a great gift to give Koreans who love living long healthy lives. This can be bought at supermarkets, Namedaemun Market among other places.

9. Fake Bags – Ever wanted that Louis Vuitton bag but couldn’t afford it? Korea’s got a black market that specializes in fake brand name bags. These fake bags are super high quality and can run in the hundreds of dollars (compared to thousands for real ones). Gift yourself by going to Itaewon.

10. Korean cosmetics - Korean cosmetics are the in-thing right now, and they make the best gift for your beauty-conscious friends. If you’re not sure which brands to buy, you can’t go wrong with these cult Korea beauty brands – ranging from Innisfree to Laneige. BB creams are the best sellers among cosmetics, and you should try those if you haven’t already. Be sure to check the reviews before buying a cosmetic product to make sure that you’re only getting the good stuff!

11. Korean tea - Tea is a souvenir that is infused with tradition as well as flavour. Traditional teas like omija (5 taste tea) and meshil (sweet plum) are still widely consumed by Koreans. You should most definitely make a stop to traditional teahouses (also known as chatjip) to experience the Korean tea-drinking culture. Other than bringing home tea as souvenirs, consider getting the whole tea set if you know any tea-junkies back home.

12. Kitchenwares - Another souvenir option, perfect for those who love unique kitchenwares, are Korean bowls and cutleries. A good place to get them in Seoul is Namdaemun Market, which actually has a kitchenware shopping zone. If you’re travelling to Busan, head to Busanjin Market.

13. Embroidery - Though traditional Korean embroidery is slowly disappearing, there are a few artists who still try to preserve it. Embroidered pouches, ladies wallets and bags are commonly found in the local stores. Glass cases and aprons are also available in embroidered designs. These are not only beautiful to look at, especially those featuring flowers and animals, but they can also be functional.

I’m going to start this South Korean food list with not really a dish at all, but something that is critically vital and quintessential to any Korean meal: KIMCHI.

While there are many different kinds of kimchi, the most common version is made with napa cabbage that is preserved and lightly fermented in bright red chili flakes. Love kimchi and you’re on your way to being a Korean food connoisseur!

If you’re visiting Seoul, you have to try authentic halal Korean dishes at Murree! They have one of the most extensive menus serving halal Korean food such as Samgyetang 삼게탕 (Ginseng Chicken Soup), Kimchi Bokkeumbap 김치 볶음밥(Kimchi Fried Rice), Bulgogi 불고기 (Marinated Grilled Beef), Kimchi Jeon김치전 (Kimchi Pancake) and more. The best part? They provide a number of refillable banchan 반찬(sidedishes), which is as authentic as you can go in Korea!

Directions: Itaewon (Line 6) – Exit 3. Walk straight and turn right at the Kebab store. Walk up the hill past Salam Bakery and make a left turn at the hill’s junction. Murree will be on your right next to a row of shop houses leading up to the Seoul Central Mosque.

Choose from either unmarinated lamb to enjoy the tender lamb meat in its full glory, or opt for the marinated lamb to savour juicy lamb rack coated with Korean sweet sauce! If there’s still room in your tummy, Yang Good also has lamb soup, deonjang-jjigae 된장찌개 (fermented soybean paste soup), mulnaengmyeon물냉면 (cold noodles) and other Korean dishes. The perfect place to drop by for dinner after shopping at Gangnam or cafe-hopping at Garosugil!

If you’re visiting Nami Island, you have to make a trip to Namiok for halal Dakgalbi닭갈비 (Korean spicy stir-fried chicken)! Just picture stir-fried chicken marinated with gochujang 고추장 (red pepper paste) along with sliced cabbage, tteokbokki 떡볶이 (Korean rice cakes) and rice served on a sizzling hot plate! That’s enough to make us want to fly to Korea this minute!